Father of two from Shropshire took on the adidas Manchester Marathon 2026 while receiving dialysis, after a rare autoimmune condition left him fighting for his life last year. 

Cameron Frazer, 36, was a healthy, active runner when what seemed like a simple ear infection triggered a life-threatening health decline. Within weeks,  he lost weight and mobility, while pneumonia and kidney failure took hold.

He was eventually diagnosed with Vasculitis, a rare and aggressive autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the blood vessels and can lead to symptoms ranging from facial droops and nerve damage to major organ failure. 

“Treatment was relentless,” Cameron said. 

“After weeks of biopsies, dialysis, plasma exchange, transfusions and heavy medication, I eventually stabilised. But complications followed - including a dangerous fluid build-up that left me struggling to breathe until emergency dialysis and oxygen pulled me back from the brink.” 

Cameron now manages his condition through medication and peritoneal dialysis, a treatment he performs overnight at home using a machine that helps pump fluid to remove waste and excess fluid from his blood. 

The effects on his family were profound. Cameron recalls hospital visits from his two children aged five and two. 

“It’s impossible to write about it without crying. You don’t expect your children to see you like that. My wife was there at every moment through my darkest hours. Since coming home, I cherish every part of parenthood in a way I never did before.” 

RETURNING TO LIFE, WORK AND RUNNING

Despite his ordeal, Cameron’s outlook has remained remarkably positive. With a self-described “glass half full” mentality, he has returned to full-time work as a Partner at a surveying firm and has gradually rebuilt his fitness. 

“Throwing myself back into normal life was the best decision I could have made,” he said. 

“I’m no longer a sub-20-minute 5K or 3:30 marathon runner. Now it’s about getting out there and showing I have the drive and determination to get it done.” 

Last year, Cameron completed a metric half marathon just two days after having the central line in his chest removed - an achievement that motivated him to aim even higher this year. 

Ahead of a crucial kidney transplant, Cameron set his sights on the adidas Manchester Marathon, where he wanted to attempt a world record. 

SETTING A MARATHON RECORD AT THE ADIDAS MANCHESTER MARATHON

Cameron set a world record at the event for the fastest marathon completed while on dialysis (male) at 04:29:57. This achievement would makes him one of the only people globally with major organ failure to attempt the distance. 

“Unsurprisingly, there isn’t much evidence of people with major organ failure running marathons,” he said. 

“I found one record of someone finishing in 5 hours 15 minutes, so that’s my benchmark. I was determined to make it happen.” 

“This challenge doesn’t define me” 

Cameron hopes his story will empower others living with life-changing conditions. 

“By taking on 26.2 miles, I want to show that my condition doesn’t define me. 

It's about proving to myself that I can keep moving forward, making my family proud, and showing my children the power of resilience.  

More than anything, I want to inspire others facing difficult circumstances to believe that with determination and support, incredible things are possible.”